The university of montanas (UM) oconnor center for the rocky mountain west (ocrmw) proposes a cooperative agreement with the BLM to develop ecological monitoring datasets related to terrestrial…

The university of montanas (UM) oconnor center for the rocky mountain west (ocrmw) proposes a cooperative agreement with the BLM to develop ecological monitoring datasets related to terrestrial wildlife habitat, enhance the idaho BLM monitoring program through data analysis and development of QA QC methods, support hands-on professional development and training of students, and improve botanical resources. The primary goal of this project is to support the acquisition of terrestrial resource monitoring data that are consistently collected, using repeatable protocols, and that accurately reflect the diversity and condition of wildlife habitats within BLM-managed land in idaho. High quality data will build large, robust datasets for researchers to use in scientific analysis. This data collection will provide opportunities for professional training and improve botanical resources in idaho.activities to be performed under this award include:carry out terrestrial inventory, assessment, and monitoring activitiesdevelop and improve the monitoring programtrainingimprove documentation of plant species in idahodeliverables and outcomes will include:1.data collection a. Random or targeted terrestrial aim and modified HAF points b. Supplementary data collection for terrestrial PROJECTS2.data analysis and QA QC development. A. Conduct data analyses using terrestrial aim data in idaho to address pressing issues facing natural resources and wildlife habitat on BLM land. B. Document supplemental protocols and improve data capture. C. Develop and improve QA QC protocols.3.training. A. Botany support materials and implementation of training for crews. B. Qualified trainers for BLM aim core methods training. C. Student mentorship by BLM field office staff.4.documentation of plant species occurrence in idaho. A. Rare plant species observations submitted to idaho fish and game and the idaho fish and wildlife information system. B. Herbarium specimens submitted to herbaria based in idaho. The intended beneficiaries include 1) the public, who will benefit directly from access to data and from BLM resource managers using consistent and defensible terrestrial land health data to plan and implement resource improvements to wildlife habitat and natural resources, which impacts both public land and adjacent areas 2) blms wildlife program, by having high quality data and partnerships to advance its visions of improving the management of wildlife and their habitats 3) idaho BLM state, district and field offices who will have relevant, well-documented and field-tested QA QC protocols, and monitoring data 4) ocrmw, which will benefit by increasing opportunities to recruit, train and employ field scientists and increasing capacity to analyze large data sets 5) UM employees and students, who will receive training and field experience, thus better preparing them for potential work in the federal work force or other conservation groups and directly engaging them in environmental stewardship and 6) other partners and stakeholders, who will benefit by more information about botanical resources managed by the BLM.